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Caterpillar Class (2 year olds)

Welcome

Welcome to the start of your child's preschool years! Many of you may be feeling you are leaving your babies with us and we understand. To create the best environment for your child we will need to work as a partnership. We start by creating a warm, nurturing, and safe place to be, where your child can learn to separate and transition easily. Being two is an exiting time of new discoveries about themselves, others and the world around them. Through play your child will explore new challenges at their own level. We use your child's natural curiosity and enthusiasm to guide the activities and build their confidence in themselves, their relationships and the basics for increased academic learning.

Curriculum

The foundation for academic learning is rooted in play. We do lots of playing in the Caterpillar class. The activities in the two year old class will support your child's learning using different kinds of materials from nature and the everyday world. The children will be encouraged to use their senses as they work with these materials. There are also many kinds of age-appropriate art projects, puzzles, games, dramatic play, blocks, cars, trucks and trains that encourage working together. All of our activities and material are designed for cognitive and social development. They are presented in playful, fun-filled themes that draw curiosity and support learning.

Outside Time

This is a time for the children to develop their physical bodies and develop confidence. The children will have many opportunities to challenge themselves. As they use the climbing structure, they will go from needing support from the teacher to climbing up the ladder and zooming down the curly slide all by themselves. In the bike area they will progress from using their feet to walk the tricycle to using the peddles and racing around the track. The activities in our yard change daily and allow the children to run, jump, balance and climb in a safe, supportive environment.

Circle Time

Circle time is a small group time for our two year olds to develop their sitting and listening skills. At the beginning of the year,we wil start with short time periods that will increase with the group's maturity. Some of the activities the children will be participating in are: stories, songs, finger-puppet plays, games and flannel board stories. It is also a time to talk with the children about themes, holidays, and special events.

Toilet Training

At our facility your child does not have to be toilet trained to enter the two or three year old class. After discussions between parents and childcare staff, when it is determined that your child is ready to begin the process of toilet training, we will support both parents and child in any way we can to bring about success for the child.